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Feb_15_WF

Newburgh School
Unit’s Paz honored
with Excelsior Award
NEWBURGH — Newburgh School
District Unit member Mike Paz
represents the best in CSEA.
Paz is the 2014 recipient of the
prestigious Excelsior Award, an
honor that CSEA and the New York
State Public High School Athletic
Association present annually to a
CSEA member who promotes and
fosters athletic spirit in his or her
local school district.
Paz traveled with family and
friends in late November to
Syracuse University’s Carrier
Dome, where NYSPHAA officials
presented him with the Excelsior
Award during halftime of the
Section I state football finals,
where Paz’s Newburgh Goldbacks
played Jamestown. A video
tribute detailing Paz’s history with
Newburgh athletics played on the
jumbotron amidst cheers from
Goldback fans.
“Mike has shown extraordinary
dedication to the students of
Newburgh through his longtime
involvement in high school
athletics,” said CSEA President
Danny Donohue. “His loyalty and
commitment to Newburgh athletics
demonstrates the positive role
so many CSEA members play in
building strong communities.”
A student athlete while attending
Newburgh Free Academy, Paz has
spent the past 34 years as a district
maintenance worker, a duty he
balanced with coaching gigs with
the varsity basketball and football
teams.
Six years ago, Paz took on
the job of equipment manager
for Newburgh athletics. In the
community, he has spearheaded
several summer camps through
local recreation departments that
allow budding athletes to sharpen
their skills.
In recent years, it hasn’t been
unusual to get a glimpse of Paz on
televised sporting events, as he
served as acting chief inspector
until recently for pro boxing and
pro wrestling in New York state.
Paz is quick to earn kudos
Excelsior Award recipient Mike Paz has a long history with all of
Newburgh athletics, though basketball is his passion. He is a longtime
assistant varsity basketball coach at Newburgh Free Academy.
from his Newburgh athletics
counterparts.
“I have found Mike’s dedication
to our students and community
to be among the best I have
ever witnessed,” said Newburgh
Athletic Director Jason Semo.
“Mike is respected by the entire
student body, coaching staff and
community.”
Paz said the experience on the
field at the Carrier Dome was one
to remember, describing it as “a
fantastic time for my family, friends
and myself.”
“It is an honor to receive the
award and I appreciate all the
support of my family, friends and
the Newburgh School District,” Paz
said. “The student athletes make all
of my work the most fun.”
— Jessica Ladlee
In addition to his coaching duties, Mike Paz serves as the Newburgh
School district’s athletic equipment manager.
Paz, right, works with boxing and
wrestling greats during his tenure
as an appointed state acting chief
inspector for professional boxing
and wrestling.
Mike Paz, left, celebrates with Newburgh Free Academy’s Varsity
Basketball team following the team’s victory as Section 9 champions.
February 2015 The Work Force 13